Cutting edge: extracellular high mobility group box-1 protein is a proangiogenic cytokine.

The chromosomal high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein acts as a proinflammatory cytokine when released in the extracellular environment by necrotic and inflammatory cells. In the present study, we show that HMGB1 exerts proangiogenic effects by inducing MAPK ERK1/2 activation, cell proliferation, and chemotaxis in endothelial cells of different origin. Accordingly, HMGB1 stimulates membrane ruffling and repair of a mechanically wounded endothelial cell monolayer and causes endothelial cell sprouting in a three-dimensional fibrin gel. In keeping with its in vitro properties, HMGB1 stimulates neovascularization when applied in vivo on the top of the chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane whose blood vessels express the HMGB1 receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). Accordingly, RAGE blockade by neutralizing Abs inhibits HMGB1-induced neovascularization in vivo and endothelial cell proliferation and membrane ruffling in vitro. Taken together, the data identify HMGB1/RAGE interaction as a potent proangiogenic stimulus

First report of epimeletic and acoustic behavior in Mediterranean common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) carrying dead calves

Epimeletic behavior toward dead calves has been frequently reported in cetaceans, mostly with females (presumed mothers) showing supportive behaviors such as carrying, lifting, or sinking, often assisted by “escort” individuals. However, information on acoustic production in such contexts is scarce. This report describes two observations of epimeletic behavior toward dead newborns in bottlenose dolphins and associated acoustic production. Data were collected at the Tiber River estuary (Rome, Mediterranean Sea, Italy) with one hydrophone for passive acoustic monitoring and two digital cameras. In both cases, an individual (presumed mother) acting as the main supporter and directly interacting with the carcass by lifting it (case 1) or sinking it (case 2) was observed. Another adult individual (escort) was present in both encounters showing standing-by and excitement behaviors (case 1) and supportive behavior (case 2). In both encounters, whistles, pulsed sounds, and bray-call elements were recorded. The consistent vocal activity observed likely conveyed context-specific information. A signature whistle in the first encounter was also recorded, likely emitted by the putative mother as a distress call. This report confirms the occurrence of epimeletic behavior in bottlenose dolphins and reports a preliminary description of the acoustic production when a dead calf is involved, providing additional information on this largely unknown topic

Histopathological lesions of the gastrointestinal tract associated with the use of polystyrene sulfonate and sevelamer: a meta-analysis

Background: Gastrointestinal severe adverse events such as ulceration and perforation have been reported for sodium or calcium polystyrene sulfonate and sevelamer. Howewer, their role in the pathogenesis is unclear. Chronic kidney disease is a well known risk factor, while the role of hypertension and/or diabetes is uncertain. Methods: A meta-analysis of the published literature was conducted to review the clinical features, risk factors and histopathological findings of patients who experienced gastrointestinal adverse events after administration of polystyrene sulfonate or sevelamer. Results: The meta-analysis indicated that patients were more likely to show necrosis and/or perforation when the resin used was polystyrene sulfonate compared to sevelamer (p < 0.001). Death was more likely in patients taking polystyrene sulfonate compared to sevelamer (p < 0.001). Discussion: The results show that sevelamer is more likely to lead to inflammation or ulceration in the gastrointestinal tract than polystyrene sulfonate, which is more likely to be associated with severe gastrointestinal adverse events such as necrosis and/or perforation. Polystyrene sulfonate is significantly associated with death compared to sevelamer

Discovering peoples, cultures, and technologies: toward a non-invasive approach for the study of archaeological ceramics from the Phoenician necropolis of Monte Sirai and Pani Loriga (Sardinia)

Archaeological ceramics are among the most investigated and studied samples in the field of archaeometry. The reason for this is that they hold a huge amount of information by means of which it is possible to reconstruct the cultural and technological context of the artifact's production. On the other hand, however, studying ceramic artifacts very often requires an invasive and destructive approach, compromising the study of all those artifacts that are musealized and of high archaeological and artistic value. In order to overcome these limitations, this study aims to provide a multi-analytical and non-invasive protocol to allow the full characterization of ceramic bodies. We selected two set of representative samples from locally produced amphorae, the first one dated back to the 6th BCE and coming from the Phoenician necropolis of Monte Sirai (Carbonia, Sardinia, Italy), and the second one from the Phoenician site of Pani Loriga (Santadi, Sardinia), dated back to the 8th and 7th BCE. The transition between invasive and non-invasive analysis requires a full awareness of the samples, in order to lay the roots for a reliable non-invasive ceramics analysis, this is why our ceramic samples were preliminary examined with conventional invasive analysis, such as petrographic thin-section observations under the polarised microscope, X-Ray powder diffraction with Rietveld full-profile fit and benchtop XRF. Here, we present some preliminary data applied to the aforementioned class of materials obtained by non-invasive analytical protocols, such as XRD and pXRF, without any sample preparation, with the purpose to evaluate reliability and validity of the experimental data when compared with the results obtained applying invasive techniques on the same set of samples. It was also possible to apply, on those samples, analytical techniques with unconventional light sources such as μCT and XRD-CT, performed with synchrotron light radiation, paving the way for the study of archaeological ceramics with new micro- or non-invasive analytical methodologies. The present work is part of a larger project aimed to consolidate the use of a multi-methodological approach to provide valuable information on production, trade and technology of ceramics in ancient societies, offering a valuable tool for archaeologist and conservation scientists to approach the Past minimizing the manufacts damages

Cognitive reserve index and functional and cognitive outcomes in severe acquired brain injury: A pilot study

Background: Many variables affect outcome after brain injury. Cognitive reserve (CR) is a subjective factor that reflects a set of personal characteristics and that differentiates individuals. It may influence an individual’s capacity to react to brain injury. Objective: To study the effects of cognitive reserve on functional and cognitive outcome at the end of rehabilitation, in patients with severe acquired brain injury (sABI), by means of the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq). Methods: We report a retrospective study of a continuous series of sABI patients on first admission to a rehabilitation center. Disability and cognitive outcomes were recorded. Results: In the 94 patients enrolled, the assessments after rehabilitation showed a significant gain measured with the disability Rating Scale for patients with a higher CR (CRIq≥ 85). A significant negative correlation was found: between CRIq scores and the interval elapsing before first access to neuropsychological assessment, between CRIq scores, especially level of education, and tests that measure the same domain (attention). Conclusions: Improvements in overall and cognitive disability emerged, but CR did not seem to substantially influence outcome in this sample of patients. This result may be partly due to the clinical severity of the population studied and the sample’s dimension, although quantitatively representative of the population

Studying monogenetic volcanoes with a Terrestrial Laser Scanner: Case study at Croscat volcano (Garrotxa Volcanic Field, Spain)

Erosional processes (natural or anthropogenic) may partly destroy the relatively small-sized volcanic edifices characteristic of monogenetic volcanic zones, leaving their internal structure well exposed. Nevertheless, the study of these outcrops may be extremely challenging due to restricted accessibility or safety issues. Digital representations of the outcrop surface have been lately used to overcome such difficulties. Data acquired with terrestrial laser scanning instruments using Light Detection and Ranging technology enables the construction of such digital outcrops. The obtained high-precision 3-D terrain models are of greater coverage and accuracy than conventional methods and, when taken at different times, allow description of geological processes in time and space. Despite its intrinsic advantages and the proven satisfactory results, this technique has been little applied in volcanology-related studies. Here, we want to introduce it to the volcanological community together with a new and user-friendly digital outcrop analysis methodology for inexperienced users. This tool may be useful, not only for volcano monitoring purposes, but also to describe the internal structure of exposed volcanic edifices or to estimate outcrop erosion rates that may be helpful in terms of hazard assessment or preservation of volcanic landscapes. We apply it to the Croscat volcano, a monogenetic cone in the La Garrotxa Volcanic Field (Catalan Volcanic Zone, NE Spain), quarrying of which leads to a perfect view of its interior but restricts access to its uppermost parts. Croscat is additionally one of the most emblematic symbols of the La Garrotxa Volcanic Field Natural Park, and its preservation is a main target of the park administration

Biochar powders coating to improve evaporative cooling in Maisotsenko-cycle systems

This work presents an experimental study on the performance of biochar powder coatings on aluminum surfaces for use in indirect evaporative coolers based on the Maisotsenko cycle. The performance of the biochar coated samples was compared to cellulose-coated aluminum samples and uncoated ones. Results showed that biochar coatings improved the performance of uncoated aluminum, with the 150 μm particle size coating offering performance comparable to cellulose. However, wetting times were longer, which has implications for spraying strategies

Heterodimer of A2A and Oxytocin Receptors Regulating Glutamate Release in Adult Striatal Astrocytes

Background: Roles of astrocytes in the modulatory effects of oxytocin (OT) in central nervous system are increasingly considered. Nevertheless, OT effects on gliotransmitter release have been neglected. Methods: In purified astrocyte processes from adult rat striatum, we assessed OT receptor (OTR) and adenosine A2A receptor expression by confocal analysis. The effects of receptors activation on glutamate release from the processes were evaluated; A2A-OTR heteromerization was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation and PLA. Structure of the possible heterodimer of A2A and OT receptors was estimated by a bioinformatic approach. Results: Both A2A and OT receptors were expressed on the same astrocyte processes. Evidence for A2A-OTR receptor-receptor interaction was obtained by measuring the release of glutamate: OT inhibited the evoked glutamate release, while activation of A2A receptors, per se ineffective, abolished the OT effect. Biochemical and bio-physical evidence for A2A-OTR heterodimers on striatal astrocytes was also obtained. The residues in the transmembrane domains 4 and 5 of both receptors are predicted to be mainly involved in the heteromerization. Conclusions: When considering effects of OT in striatum, modulation of glutamate release from the astrocyte processes and of glutamatergic synapse functioning, and the interaction with A2A receptors on the astrocyte processes should be taken into consideration

The Bloom's syndrome helicase (BLM) interacts physically and functionally with p12, the smallest subunit of human DNA polymerase δ

Bloom's syndrome (BS) is a cancer predisposition disorder caused by mutation of the BLM gene, encoding a member of the RecQ helicase family. Although the phenotype of BS cells is suggestive of a role for BLM in repair of stalled or damaged replication forks, thus far there has been no direct evidence that BLM associates with any of the three human replicative DNA polymerases. Here, we show that BLM interacts specifically in vitro and in vivo with p12, the smallest subunit of human POL δ (hPOL δ). The hPOL δ enzyme, as well as the isolated p12 subunit, stimulates the DNA helicase activity of BLM. Conversely, BLM stimulates hPOL δ strand displacement activity. Our results provide the first functional link between BLM and the replicative machinery in human cells, and suggest that BLM might be recruited to sites of disrupted replication through an interaction with hPOL δ. Finally, our data also define a novel role for the poorly characterized p12 subunit of hPOL δ

Synchronous and metachronous colorectal liver metastases: Impact of primary tumor location on patterns of recurrence and survival after hepatic resection

Background: Considerable differences in terms of prognosis exist between the right-sided (RCC) and the left-sided colon cancer (LCC). Aim of the work: In this study, we evaluated prognostic implications of primary tumor location (PTL) among patients who underwent curative-intent hepatectomy for synchronous (SM) and metachronous (MM) colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Methods: The study population included all consecutive patients affected by CRLM scheduled for first liver resection at three Italian oncological centers. Results: A total of 204 patients who underwent CRLM resection were included, 50% with RCC. Synchronous lesions were prevalent (n=133, 65%). Median OS was respectively 40.3 months for SM-RCC, 53.5 months for SM-LCC, 64.5 months for MM-RCC and 81.6 months for MM-LCC. Patients with MM-LCC showed an OS better than patients with SM-RCC (p=0.008) and SM-LCC (p=0.002). PTL had no influence on RFS. RCC group had less recurrences (75% vs 86.5%), though further surgery with curative-intent was possible more in LCC group (29.3% vs 32.5%). Cox proportional hazards model analysis showed that age and the presence of SM vs MM was associated with a significantly higher hazard ratio (HR) for death (HR=1.024; 95%CI=1.005-1.043; p=0.011 and HR=2.010; 95%CI=1.328-3.043; p=0.001, respectively). Conclusions: We confirmed that patients with CRLM and right-sided primary colon cancer experience worse survival after hepatic resection. The timing of metastasis has been revealed as important prognostic factor